Stewards of Kleinstuck invite you to take a walk with a purpose

Kathy Jennings | Thursday, September 19, 2013

The Stewards of Kleinstuck invite the community to a celebration of the work that goes on to maintain the preserve and keep its ecosystem healthy. Guided walks, music and refreshments are all part of gathering from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 22.

Throughout the year the Stewards of Kleinstuck, with the support of WMU, offer events to familiarize people with the preserve such as the Owl Prowl, Frog Walk, and the Spring Wildflower Walk. Each month there is a work day during which invasive species are removed and native species are planted.

For example, this year theBloodroot bloomed after the Stewards of Kleinstuck removed invasive garlic mustard and privet.

The 48-acre Kleinstuck Preserve is owned and managed by Western Michigan University. Its unique ecosystem is home to a wide variety of plants and animals and includes upland forest, swamp forest, shrub carr and marshland.

The property is open to the public for passive recreation and is used by WMU and other institutions for research and education.

Several neighbors and land management experts formed the Stewards of Kleinstuck in 2007 to get the community involved in restoring and maintaining Kleinstuck's ecological health, which had deteriorated through erosion and overgrown invasives. The Stewards' ultimate goal is to create a healthier, more diverse and beautiful ecosystem for the benefit of wildlife and the local community.

The Stewards also bring together people to help implement a management plan for the property developed with assistance from Nate Fuller, of the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy and a resident of Hillcrest neighborhood near Kleinstuck preserve.

The Sept. 22 celebration takes place rain or shine at the event on the grounds of the Kazoo School, 1401 Cherry St.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Jacquelyn McShulskis, Stewards of Kleinstuck